Cable execs debate Netflix threat

Cable industry executives have been offering different views of online movie provider Netflix at this week’s National Cable and Telecommunications Association show in Chicago.

Viacom Inc. VIA.B Chief Executive Philippe Dauman says his company is “comfortable” with the role Netflix Inc. NFLX is playing. Dauman said that because Netflix’s “main role” is offering library content, rather than new programming, it can provide additional revenue to studios for movies and TV shows that may not otherwise be making money.

However, Time Warner Inc. TWX Chief Executive Jeff Bewkes said cable operators must make sure that they become primary sources of on-demand content to their customers, on any device a consumer may want to use. Bewkes has consistently expressed concern that Netflix could cannibalize DVD sales, syndicated television and other revenues at the expense of studios and networks.

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